Hyderabad: Sigma Advanced Systems Limited (“Sigma”) has secured a USD 104.9 million (roughly INR 1,013 Cr.) export order from a North American customer for the manufacture and supply of 147,000 units of 155mm base bleed artillery shell bodies which are in massive demand worldwide. The order will be executed in the next 6 to 12 months.. The company claimed in a press release on Monday.
As Sigma continues to invest in R&D and further advance its technological capabilities, it is adapting to the latest global requirements. Having previously secured contracts for 155mm fuzes and M107 artillery shell bodies, the company is now manufacturing more technologically advanced blase bleed shells that integrate aerodynamics, energetics, propulsion-related technologies, and systems engineering into the projectile. The progression reflects Sigma’s deliberate strategy to move up the value chain in artillery ammunition, building the engineering capability and programme credentials expected by global customers from their long-term strategic suppliers.
The programme involves manufacturing of precision-engineered artillery projectile casings designed for integration into extended-range ammunition systems. Unlike conventional artillery shells, which experience aerodynamic drag and turbulence at the base of the projectile during flight, base bleed shells incorporate a gas-generating unit at the rear that reduces this drag, significantly extending the effective range of the system while maintaining full compatibility with existing 155mm artillery platforms in service worldwide.
Strategic significance
The order comes amid rapidly growing global investment in artillery modernisation, with defence forces across multiple regions prioritising ammunition stockpiling and extended-range fire support capabilities to enhance operational readiness. Sigma’s ability to manufacture these high-precision systems at scale strengthens its position within a global supply chain experiencing sustained demand across allied and partner nations.
This order brings multiple long-term benefits. The order is expected to be margin accretive, supporting an improvement in the company’s overall profitability. Beyond its commercial value, the contract strengthens Sigma’s credentials as a capable, export-qualified manufacturer in the international artillery ammunition supply chain and is expected to serve as a reference programme in support of the company’s efforts to build relationships with new customers and partners in overseas markets.
Sunil Kalidindi, CEO and Executive Director, Sigma Advanced Systems Limited, said, “Defence manufacturing is ultimately built on trust, earned through consistent execution, uncompromising quality, and the ability to scale complex programmes. Such contracts reflect the confidence global customers place in Sigma’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforce our ambition to become a long- term partner to leading defence organisations across global markets.”
